Minimum Wages Across the Gulf in 2024: A Brief Overview

As of 2024, here’s a detailed look at the minimum wage standards across the Gulf countries, offering a snapshot of what employees can expect in terms of compensation.

UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) does not have a federal minimum wage law. Instead, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) sets non-mandatory salary guidelines designed to ensure fair pay. These guidelines are meant to provide a benchmark for employers and are not legally enforceable. The suggested minimum salaries are as follows:

- University Graduates: AED 12,000 per month (approximately $3,267)

- Skilled Technicians: AED 7,000 per month (about $1,905) 

- Skilled Laborers: AED 5,000 per month (around $1,361)

These guidelines apply to both UAE nationals and expatriates, offering a broad standard to accommodate different types of workers.

Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) regulates minimum wage levels across both the public and private sectors. For 2024, the salary structure includes:

- Full-Time Employees: The minimum monthly salary is set at 3,000 Saudi Riyals (approximately $800), which is intended to provide a basic standard of living for regular employees.

- Part-Time Employees: The minimum wage is 1,500 SAR per month(approximately $400).

Qatar

Qatar’s minimum wage has remained consistent at 1,000 Qatari Riyals (approximately $273) per month in 2024. This wage level has been stable for several years, reflecting a steady approach to employee compensation.

Historically, minimum wages in Qatar have ranged from 750 QAR to 1,000 QAR, with the current rate representing a middle ground that balances cost-of-living considerations with economic conditions.

Bahrain

Bahrain offers a tiered minimum wage system based on educational qualifications, ensuring that compensation aligns with the level of education achieved:

- High School Degree: BHD 300 (approximately $800), per month

- Diploma Holders: BHD 380 (approximately $1,000), per month 

- University Graduates: BHD 450 (approximately $1,190), per month 

This structure is part of Bahrain's National Employment and Training Scheme, aimed at promoting fair pay based on qualifications.

Oman

Oman maintains a fixed minimum wage of 325 Omani Rials (approximately $840), per month for 2024. This wage level has been unchanged since 2013, indicating a stable approach to wage regulation in the country. 

Kuwait

Kuwait has established minimum wage standards through legislation enacted in 2010. The minimum wage varies based on the worker’s nationality and sector:

- Kuwaiti Nationals: For those employed in the public sector, the minimum monthly wage is approximately 600 Kuwaiti Dinars (approximately $1,980 USD). This amount includes social allowances for dependents such as children and spouses.

- Expatriate Workers: In the private sector, the general minimum wage is around 75 KWD (approximately $250 USD) per month. 

Each Gulf country’s minimum wage policies reflect its economic conditions, labor market dynamics, and social policies. Understanding these differences can help workers and employers navigate the compensation landscape in the region.